What happens when you are exposed to electromagnetic fields?
Exposure to electromagnetic fields is not a new phenomenon. However, in the 20th century, the increasing demand for electricity, rapidly developing new technologies, and changes in social habits have created more and more sources of artificial electromagnetic fields, and the exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields in the environment continues to increase. From the generation and transmission of electricity, household appliances, industrial equipment to telecommunications and broadcasting, whether at home or at work, everyone is exposed to weak electric and magnetic fields mixed in complex ways.
Even in the absence of an electric field from the outside, there is a very weak electrical current generated by chemical reactions as part of normal bodily functions within our bodies. For example, nerves transmit signals in the form of sending electrical pulses; Most biochemical reactions, including digestion and brain activity, are accompanied by the rearrangement of charged particles. The electrical activity of the heart is also very active, and doctors can record it with an electrocardiogram.
Low frequency electric fields can affect the human body like they do other substances composed of charged particles. When an electric field acts on a conductive material, it affects the surface charge distribution. An electric field causes current to flow from the body to the ground.
Low frequency magnetic fields can induce circulating currents in the human body. The intensity of current depends on the strength of the external magnetic field. If the current is large enough, it will stimulate the human nerves and muscles, or affect other physiological processes.
Both electric and magnetic fields can induce voltage and current in the human body, but even if standing directly under high-voltage power lines, the induced current in the body is still very small compared to the limit that can produce electric shock or other electrical effects.
Heating is the main physiological function of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. In a microwave oven, this fact is used to heat food. The intensity of the radio frequency electromagnetic field that people are usually exposed to is much lower than the intensity that can produce significant heating effects. The heating effect of radio frequency electromagnetic waves is currently the main basis for formulating safety guidelines. Scientists are also studying the possibility of long-term exposure below the critical value that can heat the human body producing effects. So far, the negative health effects of low-intensity long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields of radio frequency and power frequency have not been confirmed, but scientists are actively studying this field further.
